Dining around spy museum or Holocaust museum

[Sarahgraci]

My husband and I are going to Alexandria/DC for New Year's, and I'm looking into where we might want to eat. We're staying in Alexandria, but going in to DC for the day of December 31. Does anyone have any ideas of good, inexpensive places to eat around the spy museum or the Holocaust museum? I'm also up for Alexandria suggestions :-)

[ktmoomau]

For inexpensive in Alexandria, Majestic is good, but might be on the higher side, The Pita House is a nice sit down lebanese place. Southside 815 has incredibly rich/good southern food with huge portions. All Monavano's suggestions are good for Alexandria too.

By the spy museum for inexpensive their is Matchbox said above and Jaleo which are both on the less pricey side. I haven't been to PS 7, but I imagine their lunch prices are probably reasonable. So many people like Teaism, but I just have never really gotten it, they have good cookies and dessert, but their food has never really clicked with me, but that is apparently just me. There are also a few chinese places left, but not many. If I was going chain I would rather have gordon biersch for lunch than McCormick's they are both decent, but chains...

[Elyssa]

I agree about Teaism. I've been there a few times and have never enjoyed it...which is why I never really recommend it. The last time was about a year ago when I went for brunch with my bf and it was just so underwhelming I haven't returned.

[Teddybear]

The lentil soup is good and makes a very cheap lunch -- and the cookies are way overrated

[Rick]

We've always really enjoyed Teaism while in that area.

[Kamembert]

Wasn't impressed as well with Teaism, having had some of their savory dishes, a soup, and something else forgettable.

[taryn]

When I lived in DC I was disappointed with Teaism everytime I went as well. Can't understand the hype about the food. The teas in the adjoining tea shop though, I've purchased some great ones, and I still haven't had a loose leaf chai blend that compares to theirs.

[Plankwalker]

I would toss in for near the Spy Museum; McCormick and Schmick's. (I know I'll get hammered for that, but I've had some great meals in that joint). In Alexandria, on King Street there is The Warehouse, The Majestic, and Olde Towne Thai among many.

[monavano]

For dinner in Alexandria, I'd recommend Hank's Oyster Bar, Vermillion, Majestic and Overwood Grill. All casual places where nice jeans would work fine. These are in Old Town.
Where are you staying in Alexandria?

www.houndstoothgourmet.com

[Sarahgraci]

Thanks for those suggestions. We're staying at the new Westin.

[Sarahgraci]

Thanks for the replies. I should have been more specific- we're looking for lunch places in DC (will be back in Alexandria for dinner), any type of cuisine, and casual (OK in jeans) place.

[Elyssa]

After doing a quick search on OpenTable the following places are open for lunch near Penn Quarter/Gallery Place (The Spy Museum) and will be perfect for what you are looking for.

Central (I've never been so someone else should confirm that jeans are ok)
PS7's
Zola (right next to the Spy Museum and carrys over the spy/James Bond theme in a very chic way)
Oyamal
Zaytinya
Jaleo

And of course there is always California Tortilla :)

[katecm]

Elyssa has some nice places, but if you want something a bit more casual, then Teaism is it. It's a lovely place.

[ktmoomau]

There is nothing by the Holocaust Museum it is kind of in a dead zone of government buildings, except perhaps CityZen at the mandarin oriental, but it will book up early and will be very pricey.

The spy museum is in the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Penn Quarter section so you can search threads on those. I would agree with Elyssa perhaps check out opentable.com to see what is actually open they will even narrow it to areas for you then search for info on here of the places open and available.

[Indy 67]

The Holocaust Museum includes a cafe. The restaurant isn't in the museum itself; it is located in a small outbuilding across the courtyard on the Raul Wallenberg Place side of the building. While the food in the cafe won't win any gastronomic medals, you'll be able to eat a convenient, serviceable lunch.

Here's the link to the cafe information. There's an additional link to the menu itself.

http://www.ushmm.org/visit/cafe/

[Elyssa]

Not to many choices near the Holocaust Museum that I can think of but there is a lot to offer around the Spy Museum.

Are you looking for dinner or lunch?? Type of scene or cuisine?

Because since its New Years Eve you will certainly want to make sure a) these restaurants are open and b) you make reservations. Since I don't know what meal you will be there for I will suggest places that may or maynot be open for lunch.

I would check out Poste, Jaleo, Matchbox, or for very casual and inexpensive there is a yummy local buritto/taco chain called California Tortilla.

[annissam]

I agree with Elyssa, as usual. I would also add Teaism for a inexpensive lunch by the spy museum and Zaytinya for dinner.

[katecm]

I'd also contact each restaurant directly to find out if they have a New Year's menu. A lot do, and it can be quite expensive and not as good as a usual night.